Stayed at Tawana Bangkok Hotel [80 Surawongse Road] in May 2009 and loved it. Paid $2300 baht per night and that was OK for me because I knew I wasn't staying long in BKK anyway, and it's nice to begin and end a mongering trip in style and maximum comfort.

Legit 4 star accomodation, close to all the action, guest friendly, spacious regular rooms, huge and incredibly comfortable beds, moreless soundproof, broadband internet access, nice views of downtown, big swimming pool, excellent complimentary buffet breakfast, excellent restaurant with a lot of different food choices, friendly attentive staff, and some nice shops inside the hotel. One hour of broadband in the lobby is $70 THB if you leave the computer at home.

Will definitely start and finish my next LOS trip there again. Roughly $70 USD [low season] per night is a steal for this place IMO.

www.tawanabangkok.com

Used to be the Tawana Ramada back in the day. Stayed there many times in 1980s-90s as it is next to Patpong and back then Patpong was the place to party. Was on the verge of being run down way back then. looks like they have done some remodeling since then.

Getting to NEP or Soi Cowboy is a pain in the ass from there.

BTW even back then they had a 500 baht joiner fee. Waved it for me since I was a regular . Do they still charge for guests ??

Yes, they charged a $900 THB joiner fee for my guest. Wasn't thrilled about it, but I thought that was normal & I really wanted that girl. The more I read these trip reports, I'd guess a seasoned monger can talk their way down or around the joiner fee if staying at Tawana more than one night as you did.

Wow Inflation hits even the joiner fee.

It's a rip off. They used to waive the fee also if you registered for two guests at the time of booking. Not sure they will do it now.

I would tell them if they do not waive the fee you will stay somewhere else. It's a buyer's market in BKK hotels these days. None of the hotels -- including the 4-5 star hotels around NEP have a joiner fee.

Appreciate the info Khun, was planning to ask for the joiner fee waive after you first mentioned it. Being closer to NEP definitely has advantages, but I had a great time at Tawana - loved everything about that place, esp the food... hopefully they're willing to keep my business next time.